GoofyMom2's Disney Adventure 9/15-9/19

Hi everyone! Just got back from a wonderful 4 night stay at WDW. Will post some of the highlights from each day, and hopefully some pics if my DH shows me how to load them up. :animwink:

Just a note: this was an anniversary trip for DH and I, had free DDP!

Will post each day separate to make for easier reading (and writing!)

Friday Sept 15 we arrived in Orlando. DME picked us up with no problems and brought us to POR. Since we are on higher security and I couldn't pack my toothpaste, makeup etc in carryon, I decided to pack a small checed bag with those items and a change of clothes. Did not have DME tag put on this one so I was able to pick it up at airport. This worked great so I was able to get cleaned up after a long day of traveling. Highly recommend doing this!

After check-in and clean up.... DH and I headed over to Epcot. (arrived about 5pm). Our plan had been to exchange our passes we purchasded with package for APs....this seems to be a problem. Since our passes were on our Keys to the Kingdom, which also had our DDP credits and room key on it, we couldn't do this. Was told it would wipe out of dining credits! So................they told us we could upgrade after we used all of our dining credits....this would be late Mon night and they assured us someone would be in guest services after park closing. More to come on this fiasco later.

Park was very slow....hopped right on SSE. TT and MS with no waits. DH rode MS for the first time and did not feel too well after it. But, he insisited he could handle the orange side....sorry.....

I really wanted to buy a AP exclusive pin, and DH convinced CM at pin store to sell me one w/out the passes in hand.....

Club Cool....they had everything except watermelon (China)

We had ADR for 8pm at Le Cellier.....checked in a bit early to enjoy sitting a bit. Saw many people being turned away who did not have ADRs.....heard they are booked out for the next month (I assume this might be just for dinner, but not sure) CM were trying to be helpful by suggesting other places that had openings (France, Morrocco, Germany). Different reactions all around from peeps being irate to people chuckling with an "Oh, well....should have make ressies!".

We were seated 10 min before our ADR time.

Let me just say that Le Cellier is fantastic....everything from the service, to the details, to the food. We even got to get the smoothies as our drink for the DDP (like we needed more LOL) Our server gave us a Magical Moment card signed by much of staff for our anniversary. It was a memorable evening! My DH is not a huge steak person and he got the prime rib....he said it was the best he ever had! "Bill" came to $108.22.....what a deal!

After we got back to POR, took a quick dip in the pool...it was like bathwater but nice to relax in.

Next up....Saturday at MK!

 

[GoofyMom2]

Saturday the 16th.....another beautiful sunny day in The World.....

We arrived at the MK about 10 AM....and walked right on Haunted Mansion, IASW and Mickey's Philharmagic. Then headed to POTC....20 min wait was posted but it was about a 10 min wait. Nice and cool in waiting tunnels so it was a nice relief (about 91 degrees by this point). The new Capt Jack looked so real, really awesome job!

Next walked onto JC....had a great skipper who was really into the part. I had many good chuckles. This was also the first time I had ridden JC in the daylight in a really long time....always seem to do it in the evening. Loved it as always!

DH wanted to see Tiki Birds since he hadn't seen the "new" show.....wasn't crowded until a huge group of CM Earning Their Ears joined us. (We saw a lot of "new" CM getting tours during our day at MK.)

Bad note on a new CM we saw....first I saw him teasing one of the other CM while walking out, then he smacked her in the back of the head! 2 seconds later he ripped a leaf off of the foliage around the Tike area.....hopefully he won't last long.......

Went on the newly refurbished Liberty Belle Riverboat. Nice ride but we roasted under that hot sun........DH liked Mark Twain narrating....

Stopped in the Christmas shop in Liberty SQ while waiting for 3 pm parade....of course I bought a bunch of stuff! I have a tree solely decorated in Disney for Christmas, got some nice editions. Love that you can have packages sent to front of park for later pick-up.

Watched new parade...it was OK. Since not crowded we had a great view...got an awesome pic of Ursula I hope to post.

Ate lunch in Columbia Harbor House.....I was very impressed....had a sandwhich which was refreshing in the heat.

Note: My DH was able to replace the dessert on DP with a cup of chowder. Soup + 90 degrees was too much for me!

We also did some shopping in the Emporium (took nice pics of decorations) and showed DH the Barber Shop...he never knew it was there!

Got to Tomorrowland about 3:30 and went right to Buzz. There was a 15 min wait....I am already addicted and now so is DH....we went right over to get FP for another ride when we got off. When I went to get them, the FP machine jammed and I joked with the CM there that I broke it. He came over, pushed a magic button, and a whole bunch of FP spat out! He said "Oh, no, you did break it!". LOL We got to go on a few more times with those, still had a handful left, so passed them on to a family in line. (Line was about 20 min or so by then).

Side note on Buzz....if you carry a cane be careful where you set it in the car. My DH's fell out in a slit and a CM had to get it out of the ride for us!

Off to the TTA...DH first time on it. When we went through SM the lights were on, but didn't have my camera ready. So when we came to the end, we asked if we could stay on...yes! Lights were still on so I snapped some quick pics...then lights went off while we were going through! I think SM had a 40 min wait after that.....

Off to another first for DH...COP. He really enjoyed it. Walk-on for this as well....then to Indy Speedway, about a 5 min wait. Traffic jam at end so took a bit to go through.....

Now onto the train in MTTF to Main Street....always a nice ride. We were pretty pooped out so we decided to go to the Poly for our ADR at O'Hana's a bit early. Took the boat there, such a nice ride.

Our ressie was for 8:45 and it was only 7:30 so we sat on the beach for a few minutes, then checked in and shopped at the stores. Ended up getting seated 15 min before our ressie. Have eaten here before and the food was just as wonderful as before. Watched Wishes through the windows, the music was even piped in. What a night!

Notes on MK: lots of characters out, street performers out in force, lots of Halloween decorations and costumes in stores, Dole Whip floats on DDP (Whoohoo!), most of decorations off the castle and castle is looking a bit run-down....needs some serious touch-ups. Not too many photopass people out......Last performances of Cindercellebration were this day and not too crowded. Peter Pan always had a 20 min wait or longer. Still could not find talking trashcan or water fountains!!!

Have to go for now....will post more soon!

OK, trying to add pics:

Pics from Parade at MK

 

[CAPTAIN HOOK]

Nice start to your trip - waiting to hear further

 

[figment1985]

beautiful.. it was HOT!

I was there too.

 

[nibblesandbits]

I can't wait to hear more. I'm going to Disney next year about the same time so it's great to hear about what it's like during this time from a first hand experience.

 

[GoofyMom2]

OK, Figment...it was very hot.....I just didn't want to sound like I was complaining! :lol:

Sunday, 9/17 AK

I am a huge animal lover so AK is always a favorite of mine. This was my first trip to this park without kids.

Ended up getting here at 10:30....we had a very, very slow bus ride.....they had to load 3 wheelchair/ EVCs so it took quite a bit to load. The couple that both had EVCs were so cute, they just chatted away about their kids, grandkids, what they had done at Disney so far etc. One of the things I love about Disney trips, talking to the other guests.

We saw Wes Palm (and his operator!) at the entrance enthralling kids. I remember how my kids reacted to him in April......We decided to go on rides that our kids don't like, plus some of our favorites, and of course EE (it was closed due to press event our last visit...)

Walked right into Tough to be a Bug....forgot just how good and funny that show is. Also walked onto Dinosaur (this ride scared the beejeebees out of my oldest son 2 yrs ago so haven't been on it since). Pointed out the ketchup/mayo/mustard pipes to my DH. He thought that was great!

Went over to EE...quite a hike over to the ride. Themeing is just as good as everyone has described in the past, details are just fantastic. Wait was 20 min so we grabbed FP so I could make the next Flights of Wonder show. This was a show I always seem to miss so I was determined to see it. Before theater opened, a CM had a Great Horned Owl in the front and was answering questions. Show was a blast! Not very crowded so we got seats quite close to stage. As I said, I am an animal lover and have many of my own birds, so I really enjoyed this show. Funniest part: They had a little girl come up to stage to help, and as a reward they gave her a sunflower seed like they do the birds. She popped it right into her mouth! :lol: I thought the CM would just faint! I really recommend this show!

Ran over to FOTLK and just made the show....great as ever. But, next time I will sit in another section besides the warthogs!!! This show gives an idea of crowd levels...we literally walked in as show started and got seats!

Went back to EE for our FP....all I can say is Wow! Ride is just the best, not jerky at all, full of surprises and just plain fun. We went and got another FP after we got off! And DH is not a huge coaster fan....

Had lunch at Tusker House and enjoyed some of the entertainers in Africa.

Safari was walk-on, couldn't believe it. Always fun, always something new. We decided to ride again after we got off to sit on the other side of the rovers. Saw different animals in different places, love that. First time through, 1 black rhino way up over there. 2nd time, saw 2 black and then 3 white rhino in another area, they were so close you could almost reach out to touch them! Saw baby elephant running away.....

Walked through Asia trail, looked for and found a lot of hidden Mickeys. Patience at the tigers paid off....got some great pics of the tigers and one of them running on the water ledges. Talked to a CM in the bird aviary and found out the hoopdoe (sp?) had been injured and was off exhibit. Guess she is a favorite among guests but also very rare and valuable, so no longer in exhibit. Will be almost too hard to replace I was told. She also told me that their "keys" to the birds are really out of date since they now have a lot of new species.

Last walk over to EE to use FP....we didn't even need them...it was walk-on! Gosh I love September!

ADR was at WCC at WL. Have eaten here before and is a favorite of my DH. We were seated about 20 min after our ressie time. Server had great attitude and really played the part....sadly she was a poor server in other areas. My DH ordered his Coke and told her he was very, very thirsty and if she wanted to bring a big glass, it was just fine. It took 15 min to get our Cokes!!!! 15 minutes!! We were trying to flag down anyone and some poor man whose English was not the best was most confused at my DH trying to explain that he really needed his drink "right now". Service went down from there.....my DH ordered more pulled pork (all you can eat skillet), didn't come etc. Server finally noticed after we were just sitting there because we were done. DH got the wrong dessert, by this point he didn't care....we had been there 2 hours (I kid you not) and just wanted to leave. This is a shame because it is usually such a good place to eat........

Off to DTD for a mad dash of shopping because by this point it was almost 10 pm (told you a long dinner). Got our Mr PH parts....they now how Cruella DeVil, Malfecient (sp), more pirate parts, Incredibles and some other new ones. Pizza slice and some others are no longer available. Bought 3 boxes worth since I also needed to get some for my niece (excuses excuses)

Lots of shopping at WOD....10% discount with Disney Visa! New Sorcerer Mickey Visa pin is sold out at Pin Traders, bummer!

We took the boat back to POR....we thought it would be a nice, almost romantic trip. Wrong!!! This had to be the noisiest Friendship boat in existance. We were all laughing about it. It rumbled so much my feet got tingly from the vibrations. Oh well.....:lol:

Another fun-filled day!

Forgot to mention: Saw a CM with magical Moment Certificates at the exit of EE, but didn't see her giving any out. Don't know what type of families or kids she was looking for.

 

[kasey1988]

Sounds like you had a awsome trip! but just wondering what are the ketchup/mayo/mustard pipes ?

 

[GoofyMom2]

OK, here are some pictures from the trip....

Some Halloween decorations around MK

 

[GoofyMom2]

OK, new at this whole picture thing, so hope all these turn out!


More Halloween decorations:

 

[GoofyMom2]

One more fun-filled day left.....Mon Sept 18

We headed to MK first to go on a few favorites one more time. Arrived about 10 AM and saw a sky writer above MK:

We had been eating breakfast at the foodcourt at POR, but the day before it was just horrible( Eggs!!!), and we had a counter service credit extra, so we decided to eat at Main Street Bakery. What a treat! With the DDP you get either a breakfast sand. and an extra (muffin etc) and a drink, or you can pick 2 treats. Too much food but so good!

We had walk-ons for HM, IASW, Buzz had a few min wait and TTA. I have to brag that I got 999,999 points on Buzz!!! Whoohoo!

They were doing work on the Castle this day and saw workers being pulled up by a crane.

Took Monorail to Epcot and arrived about 1o. Tried to get our free Visa picture in Innoventions but there wasn't anyone there...bummer.... I actually finally tasted Beverly at Club Cool, what was I thinking!?

Went to The Land and got to ride the new LwtL with the new pre-recorded spiel. First day it was reopened! Always a nice ride. They have a new tomatoe tree as the other one lived 16 mos. We decided to take the Behind the Seeds tour and had a blast. Fed the fish, released lady bugs, tasted cucumbers, etc. My DH and I ended up being the only ones in that time slot so we really got to ask a lot of questions. Will def. take this again when we go in April with the kids. Learned a lot, too!

Ate lunch in Sunshine Seasons...once again, way too much food! LOL

Saw HISTA and then headed to World Showcase. Finally got to see the candy maker in Japan (Miyuki?)...she was fabulous and a must-see.

Did a bunch of window shopping.....


In Germany, it seemed to be attack of the Giant Lizard

Saw Off Kilter, of course! But, they seemed to be a bit off that show. Maybe a bagpipe problem as he didn't seem to play it much, plus they never introduced themselves, just rushed off the stage. I am sure I will see a better performance next time.

Finally, an absolutely wonderful dinner at Rose and Crown. We waited a few extra minutes for a seat outside....had an 8:00 ADR so we had perfect timing for Illuminations. We couldn't have asked for a better server, seat, or food. Highly recommend the Rose and Crown if you haven't eaten here.

On our way out of the seating area, I stepped in gum (At Disney!)...ironic, isn't it. The hostess got me some wet wipes to clean off my shoe with. Now off to Guest Relations to deal with that whole exchanging for an AP thing. Will write more on that in a bit....it deserves it's own entry!

 

[GoofyMom2]

Quick post:

First I want to apologize if the pics I posted are too big....just learning how to do this!

I also don't want to forget to mention that Marie (Belle) from Kingdom Konsultants planned and set up this trip for us. A big Thank You out to her! She was awesome!!!! :sohappy:


We styed at POR in the Mansion section. We paid extra for a King room (King size bed) and were glad we did. King rooms are corner rooms, so lots of light from the windows and seem to have more room. The room was cleaned well, looked amazing, and was very close to a pool.Staff here was very friendly. It was a bit of a walk to the food court. There are also 4 bus stops so we needed to make sure to get to the corrct one. (Once we didn't and almost got lost!)

Wanted to also post a few random pictures that I liked:



Pluto Statue:

Cute picture

My favorite sign

 

[Jenngusto]

What are and where does one find the mustard and ketchup pipes?

 

[GoofyMom2]

The mustard, mayo, and ketchup pipes are in Dinosaur, in the que line. There are 3 pipes that have chemicals listed for them.....they are the ingredients for ketchup, mustard and mayo! (and of course the pipes are red, yellow and white!) :lol:

 

[GoofyMom2]

All right, time to finish this baby up.....

After our dinner at Rose and Crown, we walked over to guest relations at the front of Epcot. We had a very friendly and helpful CM. But, he was also concerned about transferring the credit from our passes to get APs. He again stated we would lose all of our dining credits, room key, charging priv. etc. I have to ask: Why do Disney's computers have such a problem with this!?

We explained thet we used all of our dining credits (thus why we were so late at the park and trying to get the APs after park closing.). He suggested we come back tomorrow, but told him we couldn't because we were leaving. So..... he told us again we would lose room charging priv. No big deal I told him since we weren't doing that anyway! And, again he told us our keys would no longer work for our rooms. So we asked, Couldn't we go to the front desk of POR and have them make us a new one? He called someone at POR, and was told that would be fine.

So, off he goes to talk to someone and we fare inally able to get our APs. By the time we got out of there, it was about 10:30 (sorry, couldn't do the MGM meet for this reason )

I had forgotten to mention the first day we originally tried to do this, we only had 1 day admission on them since we knew we were going to upgrade to AP. We had to add the extra 3 days plus Park Hopping so we could use them while there.
So, my DH was really making sure all of the math was correct since we had credits all over the place. All turned out OK.

Get back to POR about 11 PM, DH explains situation. Now, here comes the "Of course" part. Apparently they normally keep the computers up until 2 AM, however, for some reason that night they shut everything down at 11 PM! Also, remember CM that called from guest relations? Front desk has no idea about this so they didn't get a heads up.

Very wonderful CM at front desk talks to manager in back, they are finally able to do something and we get a key, although not printed with info. We didn't care because we just wanted to get in the room.

The kicker? CM asks us if we need our dining credits transferred back onto this new card since any on old card were wiped off!! We just mumbled and shuffled away, not wanting to know if they could have done this after all we had been through....

This really was crazy....don't know why it is so hard to upgrade to an AP. We also don't know if we would have lost the credits for good or if they could have been added back. No one seemed to know exactly how this worked. So, if you go and plan on upgrading, just be prepared.

We are looking forward to getting a lot of use out of our new APs in the coming year.

Thank you all for reading, I hope you enjoyed!

 

[tlkied]

Por???

I see that you stayed at POR. We are arriving there on Saturday and wanted to get feedback and suggestions on this resort. Thanks!!!

 

[GoofyMom2]

I see that you stayed at POR. We are arriving there on Saturday and wanted to get feedback and suggestions on this resort. Thanks!!!

Hi! :wave:

When you check in, they will give you a map of the resort. There are 2 sections, the Mansions and Alligator Bayou. Make sure you note which bus stop is closest for you. There are 4, North, South, East and West. We got off at the wrong one the first night and it took us a bit to find our building!

There are also different pools, we ended up being very close to one which was nice for evening dips....pools were open 24 hrs I believe.

The foodcourt was open till midnight. You might want to consider getting the refillable mugs for $12.....you get all the free refills you want at foodcourt for your stay. I enjoyed getting a hot chocolate at the end of the day. It was just a bit of a walk from our building.

There are a lot of paths and bridges and it seems confusing, but after a day it all made sense.

There are boats that take you to Down Town Disney and back.....much nicer than taking a bus.

There are also a lot of extras, carriage rides, fishing etc but we didn't have a chance to do this.

Staff was extremely friendly and helpful. We really enjoyed this resort and would stay here again. I hope you enjoy your stay!